Practice of an individual, group of individuals, employer or organization that assumes complete responsibility for losses, which might be insured against, such as health care expenses. In effect, "self-insured" groups have no real insurance against potential losses and instead maintain a fund out of which is paid the contingent liability subject to self-insurance.

A licensed institution (or a distinct part of a hospital) that provides continuous skilled nursing care and related services for patients who require medical care, nursing care or rehabilitation services.

Included among the features of Medical Management programs, SSO provides coverage for a second opinion from a qualified surgical specialist to group members seeking elective surgery. Mandatory SSO requires that group members seek the second opinion.

The use of any drug for purposes other than those for which it is normally intended or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. Chemical dependence is the compulsion to continue taking a drug to produce desired effects or to prevent the onset of ill effects that occur when it is not taken.